Scleroderma - Overview

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder of connective tissue. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system. This disease is characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the skin. This leads to firmness and thickness of the affected skin. It may also occur in the internal organs like kidney. This autoimmune disease is classified as widespread or localized (systemic scleroderma with a tendency to affect internal organs). Systemic scleroderma is further divided into limited & diffuse based upon the extent of skin involvement.

Scleroderma Causes and Treatment

The exact cause of Scleroderma is not known. Researchers have found that certain genes are important hereditary factors, but the environment also plays an important role. The result is activation of the immune system in a susceptible individual, causing damage to the inner lining of tiny blood vessels and injury to tissues which leads to scar tissue formation and accumulation of excess collagen.